Just adding to Hera's post that I'm pretty excited about this idea. This is our chance as fans to show our stuff and make ads ( in a way!) that will be seen by potentially thousands of people. Linking to them thru the proposed myspace accounts will be awesome, there are so many people on myspace. Browncoat's waiting to be born. Youtube is so popular it's featured in Entertainment Weekly as THE place to view stuff.
Think of how much potential exposure we're gonna have.

For some ideas on how this might work and some very clever ideas in their own right check out this thread....

Now, of course you won't be scripting these "ads" for our BDH's, you'd be using footage from the series just like all vid-ers do. But think of the possibilities there will be. To make things that are funny, and touching that will make folks who have never seen Firefly before want to see it! That is the challenge of this contest.

The voting method will be most likely by a jury from FFF.net, and the winning entries will then be posted to youtube, to then be posted via the Firefly myspace page at a later date.

So come on everyone.. think what you'd like to say about our beloved show and lets do it better than F*X did!

I'm resurrecting this thread, because I've seen some comments on the SSC thread that pertain to making ads.

These vids are ads....this is what we need folks...vids that intrigue..that are out of the ordinary from the regular fan approach. Something that will catch the eye of non-flans.
Think of the last commercial or ad that you saw that made you go "Huh?!" just like Mal when he sees River in the box for the first time. It made you want to know more about why River was in the box... well, that is what we want.. we want ads that make folks say "Huh?" and want to know more.

We have so many talented people on this board... I just know if we put our minds to it, we can find a way to make regular -everyday -walking- thru -life -with- no- clue- about- Firefly- folks see this show!

We can spread these vids all across the web with youtube and myspace. We will have Firefly and Serenity cropping up everywhere. C'mon folks, let's get to thinkin'.

I understand that you want trailers, (which, by the way, I think is a great idea) but I was wondering if some kind of contest could be made for music videos as well. There are many talented editors out there, and I think that attaching music to any media helps with recognition. If people can link Firefly with music they like, it might create more converts.

Ohhhh! I missed this the first time around. WHAT A GREAT IDEA! I'd love to try my hand at this.

One question though... You stated a length for the vids (1 to 3 minutes), but nowhere is a standard size mentioned. Anyone got an idea on that?

I'll have some time this week to work on something and see what I can put together. I've already got a few ideas (SIMON: "That man is psychotic!" WASH: "Mal, you are psychotic!") that I'd like to play with.

I have formidable video editing skills, but currently suffer from a lack of access to video editing software. If I were using my computer right now, instead of my mom's I would just download one, but... maybe when school starts up.

Until then... gif trailers?

Here's one for Simon, based on of the TBS LOTRs commercials. It is totally about to become my non-firefly messageboards sig:

And, a silly one for Jayne's town. Only my brain can take credit for its possibly not funniness:

I will probably make more for my own personal enjoyment. If you like these, I'll keep putting them here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Objects in Space"
River: It's just an object. It doesn't mean what you think...
http://www.stillflying.net/

One more, because I never was one who could resist playing with a new toy. This time, less of me trying to be funny... in fact, none of that. Simon and River do have the most compelling relationship, imo.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Objects in Space"
River: It's just an object. It doesn't mean what you think...
http://www.stillflying.net/

Quote:Originally posted by PaganPaul:
Ohhhh! I missed this the first time around. WHAT A GREAT IDEA! I'd love to try my hand at this.

One question though... You stated a length for the vids (1 to 3 minutes), but nowhere is a standard size mentioned. Anyone got an idea on that?

Hey there PaganPaul! Sorry took so long to write you back here.

I, unfortunately, have no clue about vid sizes. Can you check out

and see if you can grok any specs from what's posted there? The quality varies widely from vid to vid, so the site may not have size requirements that are very strict. I'm thinking about 35MB? That seems to be the size of most vids I download for my own use.

Windows Movie Maker is a free program from Microsoft (yeah, weird huh?) that is actually pretty good for editing video clips. I'm actually learning in school right now how to use Adobe Premiere, so I think I'll wait a bit until I know better how to do these things, and then I'll try my hand at it.

When is the contest over anyway? And what will be our prize? Is it shiny?

Windows Movie Maker is a free program from Microsoft (yeah, weird huh?) that is actually pretty good for editing video clips. I'm actually learning in school right now how to use Adobe Premiere, so I think I'll wait a bit until I know better how to do these things, and then I'll try my hand at it.

When is the contest over anyway? And what will be our prize? Is it shiny?

We're thinkin' the end of August.
That will only give us 3 or 4 weeks to spread them via youtube and myspace.

And yes the prize is shiny!
We'll be announcing it soon.

"You hold. Hold 'til I get back." Mal

Click here www.fireflyfans.net for info about the Serenity Summer Campaign and how you can help!

). First attempt at doing this, no fancy edits or anything, need to brighten some of the scenes a bit, and it may just suck. But it was fun, and I noticed a couple of things in a few scenes that I hand't before (Wash putting his hands in the "Don't shoot" position as the Alliance boards Serenity)

Hey NAFLM, you're the first to step up! Thank you for this. I like how you approached it from the horror/suspense angle. Nice touch! That's what's cool about doing trailers. There are so many ways to approach the storytelling.

What do you think about adding the info text at the end?

Joss Whedon’s Firefly“Bushwacked”
Episode 3 of 14
Made for fun, not for profit. All FIREFLY related images are copyright Mutant Enemy, Inc. and 20th Century Fox. This video IS NOT affiliated with Mutant Enemy, Inc. or 20th Century Fox.

How long did it take you, if you don't mind my asking? Any tips you can give on vid making would be appreciated by us.

Quote:Originally posted by Hera:
What do you think about adding the info text at the end?

Crud, knew there was something I was forgetting. I've added the text to the video description on Youtube, I'll update the video as soon as I get the chance, shouldn't be later than this weekend.

Quote:How long did it take you, if you don't mind my asking? Any tips you can give on vid making would be appreciated by us.

Longer than it should have, but that's mostly because it was my first attempt at anything like this and a lot of time was spent learning the software. Ended up doing some things two or three times before I learned how to do it right. (The Zoe/Simon dialogure came out sounding like chipmunks the first time I extracted the audio).

First thing I did was sit through the episode making notes of scenes and music that I could use. Don't know why I started with Bushwacked, except that I had probably watched the pilot shortly before reading this thread (which is where I took the Zoe/Simon dialogue from -- is that cheating?). I'm running Linux so I used a couple of tools to convert the dvd and then extract the scenes I wanted (later I learned I could have simply extracted the scenes I wanted directly from the dvd - d'oh!) I'm running Linux so I used Kino for the video editing, Audacity for the audio editing (free, easy to use and available for Windows too) and Mplayer/transcode to merge everything together. Spent most of Sunday and a bit of Monday night putting it all together. (Again, I stress, this is mostly because I was learning and screwed up several times.)

As for hints or tips, keep in mind that I have a wide experience of "once", so there's not much that I feel comfortable in saying. Best I can do is, if you're extracting snippets of video to work with make the snippets a bit longer than the piece you actually want. I don't know about other software but Kino lets you mark how much of the clip to use, I'm assuming other software would have the same feature. Other than that, I guess, maybe, don't use a scene just because you like it. Originally the trailer was a bit longer; it went from the Alliance soldier to Wash's bit of speech at the beginning of the episode ("Oh my god, what could it be? We're all doomed! Who's flying this thing?!") After viewing the trailer a few times I took it out. I really liked the scene, and I wanted to try and switch tones to give a fuller(?) impression of what Firefly is like, but I found that the way I had it was just too jarring.

My main concern right now is that I've created a trailer that will lure people into a false impresion of the show. You know, like the trailers for a movie the studio can't classify easily, so that make a trailer that pigeonholes it as a specific type, then when you see it it's nothing like the commercial?

Quote:Originally posted by naflm:
My main concern right now is that I've created a trailer that will lure people into a false impresion of the show. You know, like the trailers for a movie the studio can't classify easily, so that make a trailer that pigeonholes it as a specific type, then when you see it it's nothing like the commercial?

Hey NAFLM, sorry took so long to get back to you. Work is hell, getting in the way of the fun stuff.

I don't think your trailer gave a false impression at all. That is a very creepy episode, so your direction was a valid one to take.

There's an interesting discussion in another thread that you may enjoy. I dropped a bunch of stuff in there on video tutorials, which I also added to the post at the top of this thread, for reference.

Quote:Originally posted by Kayna:
Hey there folks. I know I'm kinda late to the party but I just had to pop in and say I'm in. I'll be working on some things as soon as I can get the eps downloaded.

And how about that prize. I didn't know there was a prize. Now curiosity is eating me alive. What is it? I must know. (al la Invader Zim) Tell MEEEEE. Tell me the seecrets!

You're not late to the party, Kayna, we're just hitting our stride! I'm glad you're in and interesting in trying your hand at this.

What we have in mind for first prize is a trophy adorned with the Serenity ornament from Dark Horse Comics (6" x 3.5"):

The ornament will be mounted to a custom designed base (as we're of the opinion that the base that comes with the ornament may be too small or unsuitable for inscription). The trophy will be inscribed with the name of the winning entrant, dates, Serenity Summer Campaign Firefly Trailer Challenge, etc.

We're developing a wall plaque for runner-ups, honorable mentions.

Will post more info on the prizes as things develop. Also, who the judges will be.

I have a nugget of an idea for a trailer of both the series and the BDM.

Would that count?

Hey there Dopeyname101 (great alias, btw), I think inspiration for the project is what means most to us folks, since we do this for fun and not profit. I'm psyched you have ideas you want to explore! If I were talented enough to do a vid project, I would want to tackle both, for a sense of completeness and a certain 'artistic balance'.

Since we're shooting for a level playing field in the contest, you can do both of your ideas, but only place the FF trailer as an entrant.

The reasoning behind this caveat is that TV is a different animal from cinema. The story telling is different, the development of charactor is slower, the imagery less grandiose, more intimate. Serenity to FF may be apples to oranges. It's best to keep them separate.

But also, a Serenity trailer would be a useful thing to have! Anything to spread the word to new folks.

Quote:Originally posted by dopeyname101:
Actually, what I meant was a single trailer utilizing footage and dialogue from both the series and the BDM.

More of a trailer fore the 'Verse, really.

Oh well. I guess I'll just go ahead and make it and not enter it in the contest.

Since we've never done anything like this afore, being new territory and all, I'm thinking we need more categories in order for this contest to work properly. This is me thinking out loud here, so:

FIRST-TIME VIDDERS
Best First Effort-Series Overview
Best First Effort-Single Episode
Best First Effort-All Episodes (14 entries)

Best Single Episode

Best Series Overview

Best All Episodes

Best None of the Above

Of course, they would have shinier titles, but this is a rough list for now.

You could enter your trailer into the "None of the Above Category". FFF are very creative people, and I don't want to squelch anyones enthusiasm because of the structure necessary in order to hold a contest in the first place.

See I have an idea for a series of character ads. Kinda like the character trailers I found on my Episode I DVD. Not meaning to steal, they will be very different from that but to illustrate the point you know.

I want to do a few others as well but that character series doesn't really fit in any of your catagories. I'll do them anyway and see how they come out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Op: You're fighting a war you've already lost.
Mal: Yeah, well I'm known for that.

It's been a long time since I have posted here. I think this is a great idea; however, I'm not sure what to make. I've made music videos but I've never made a trailer. Here’s the reason why. To make a decent trailer you still need music, hence a music video. In addition to this you need an announcer of some sort. I don't have professional audio equipment to do this. However, I would love to add my talents to the mess so tell me what you want me to do, and I'll do it.

Argh Hera, I never realized it could be done with movie maker. Hmmm... I really want to make a trailer now! but damnit, gonna be out of the country for a week, then busy like crazy for a month. Well, I can try. Sometime. Maybe.

It's been a long time since I have posted here. I think this is a great idea; however, I'm not sure what to make. I've made music videos but I've never made a trailer. Here’s the reason why. To make a decent trailer you still need music, hence a music video. In addition to this you need an announcer of some sort. I don't have professional audio equipment to do this. However, I would love to add my talents to the mess so tell me what you want me to do, and I'll do it.

Who's joining me?

How about using supertitles like the Serenity trailer? There was no announcer on that. Then the music you could use would be from the series soundtrack, or another tune of your choosing, but just no lyrics.

Quote:Originally posted by Whitefall:
Hmmm... I really want to make a trailer now! but damnit, gonna be out of the country for a week, then busy like crazy for a month. Well, I can try. Sometime. Maybe.

Eh, maybe I can storyboard while I'm gone.

I say go for it! Story boarding is fun. Especially if you'll be on a plane for several hours!

Quote:Originally posted by Whitefall:
I found some download sites, decent quality. Just curious if there are any without the logo is all.

But then again, with the logo means it was on TV, which means it's legal because I own the DVDs (i think). But i bet striping the DVDs is all sorts of illegal. Same with the movie i'm betting.

Let me be perfectly blunt concerning FanVid construction. It’s all illegal. Nevertheless, many people who create these shows do not mind fans making the videos as it is a form of free publicity. Publicity = Money! As long as makers of said videos are not out to make a buck, they should be fine. Now then, the acquisition of video… There are several ways. Most preferred is the DVD Rip. However most used is the downloaded video. ie Bittorrent. Personally I use DVD Rips.

There have been many posts concerning the making of the video, This is the very best out there.

It comes from a website dedicated to making AMV’s (Anime Music Videos). It has everything, including easy to follow instruction to the Ripping process and free and legal software (AMVapp). This was my starting point. Good luck.

Quote:Originally posted by dopeyname101:
Actually, what I meant was a single trailer utilizing footage and dialogue from both the series and the BDM.

More of a trailer fore the 'Verse, really.

Oh well. I guess I'll just go ahead and make it and not enter it in the contest.

Since we've never done anything like this afore, being new territory and all, I'm thinking we need more categories in order for this contest to work properly. This is me thinking out loud here, so:

FIRST-TIME VIDDERS
Best First Effort-Series Overview
Best First Effort-Single Episode
Best First Effort-All Episodes (14 entries)

Best Single Episode

Best Series Overview

Best All Episodes

Best None of the Above

Of course, they would have shinier titles, but this is a rough list for now.

You could enter your trailer into the "None of the Above Category". FFF are very creative people, and I don't want to squelch anyones enthusiasm because of the structure necessary in order to hold a contest in the first place.

What say you on this approach?

-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

Here's my concern: do you really think we're gonna have enough entries to distinguish it between "first-time vidders" and people with experience? In addition to the (possibly low) number of entries, there's really no way to verify if someone is, in fact, a first-time vidder. For example, I've had loads of experience with editing, but I could start a new member ID on here and say that I was a rookie (not gonna do that, but just saying.)

I also don't really get the differentiation between "all episodes" and "series overview." Unless you're saying that "all episodes" is for someone who's done an individual trailer for each episode, and "series overview" is a single trailer that covers the entire series.

I think my thing is, narrow it down to one or two categories (maybe three) and work from there. Too many categories will spread the competition (and work) too thin.

Maybe a "Best Episode Trailer" category, a "Best Series Overview" category, and either a "Best Overall" or a "Viewer's Choice" or something to that effect.

Also not sure if just views on YouTube is the best way to judge the contest. A view is just someone watching it. YouTube does utilize a rating system - maybe work that into the judging somehow? I'm not sure what kind of formula you'd need to use, since not everyone would have the same number of ratings.

Quote:Originally posted by dopeyname101:
Here's my concern: do you really think we're gonna have enough entries to distinguish it between "first-time vidders" and people with experience? In addition to the (possibly low) number of entries, there's really no way to verify if someone is, in fact, a first-time vidder. For example, I've had loads of experience with editing, but I could start a new member ID on here and say that I was a rookie (not gonna do that, but just saying.)

All valid points. My hope to use this contest to inspire first-time vidders to get involved may be misplaced, since our goal is to produce highly-quality, fan-made trailers to promote the series. It may be a better idea to host a separate vid contest at a later date only for first-timers. Permaybehaps music video entries, since they're less technically challenging.

Quote:I also don't really get the differentiation between "all episodes" and "series overview." Unless you're saying that "all episodes" is for someone who's done an individual trailer for each episode, and "series overview" is a single trailer that covers the entire series.

You are correct! "All Episodes" would be 14 videos, one for each ep. "Series Overview" would allow footage from all the episodes, and would be 1 video.

Quote:...narrow it down to one or two categories (maybe three) and work from there. Too many categories will spread the competition (and work) too thin.

Maybe a "Best Episode Trailer" category, a "Best Series Overview" category, and either a "Best Overall" or a "Viewer's Choice" or something to that effect.

I was soldiering on in the hope that we receive more entries than we can handle, but, alas, the voice of reason has been heard to say otherwise! I'll hash out the categories with FollowMal (and possibly 11th), since the cost for the number of awards is also an issue.

Quote:Also not sure if just views on YouTube is the best way to judge the contest. A view is just someone watching it. YouTube does utilize a rating system - maybe work that into the judging somehow? I'm not sure what kind of formula you'd need to use, since not everyone would have the same number of ratings.

Your concern is valid. It would be better to have the videos judged by a jury of peers rather than polled on youtube. Also, simple web polls can be skewed if there isn't a sign-in setup, so that may not be the way to go either. I'll look further into the judging option.

Quote:Just ideas. Use 'em or don't, your prerogative.

I'll have more clarifying info soon. Thank you for the comments, dopeyname101. They've been very helpful.

I was just searching around youtube and I found some Very talented Firefly vidders. I think it would be worth an effort to contact them and let them know about the contest. They are making a lot of music videos, but, why not harness their talent and creativity to enter this contest and find the best of the videos?

I think it would be great to have a trailer for every episode on a website devoted to converting fans to firefly (maybe here?) I think this project could be used toward that goal, and it sounds like that is exactly what you had in mind, so you have my full support!

LEt me know if I can help out in any way, other than actually making the videos... :) I cant edit, sorry!

Quote:Originally posted by jtskier1200r:
I was just searching around youtube and I found some Very talented Firefly vidders. I think it would be worth an effort to contact them and let them know about the contest.

This is a really awesome idea, jtskier!

Would you be willing to help by contacting them and telling them about the contest? I can send you a letter to paste into their PM system to make it easier for you.

This really would help us out alot. The fff event team is stretched a little thin right now.

You can contact me direct by PMing me through my profile page if you'd like to help, and I can fill you in on the particulars!

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